Schatt & Morgan swaybelly Trapper.

[komondor]

I just received my Schatt & Morgan "file and wire tested" swaybelly trapper in worm groove burnt red bone from AG Russell. What a knife!

This is the first time I have handled a knife that has a half stop. This feature is incredible. It speaks of very high quality. The half stop on this knife is as solid as I can imagine, and the entire walk and talk is top-notch and assertive.

The overall heft of the knife is impressive: 4.5 oz. The blades are Queen ats-34, and are well-polished. The clip blade has etched file and wire tested and ats-34. And the spey blade has the number etch. Both etches are very clean. Sharpness is not ideal, as can be expected, but perhaps a little better than on my Queen d2.

The overall fit and finish is superb, with the exception of the spring/liner fit in a couple spots. Not too bad at all, but noticeable. Given the quality and feel of the rest of the knife, this is the only thing separating it from perhaps custom quality.

I really like the burnt red bone, it has a very pleasant, traditional look about it. The sXm shield is high quality and perfectly set into the bone.

The only thing that bugs me about this knife is it is a real bitch to open. What is the best way to solve this problem, since this knife will become an EDC?

 

[Lenny]

Good find!
Are both blades marked ATS-34?
I was under the impression that only the main blade was.
I bought a Queen Trapper thinking that both blades were, however, only the one marked as such was made of it.
As to the stiff opening, some folks have said to leave the blade half way open for a while. But since yours has the half stop, you'll have to leave it either 1/4 or 3/4 of the way open. This might tend to reduce the spring tension somewhat. Other than that and finding a good oil, constant use would do the trick.
BTW, where did you find the knife; Queen Collector's Club?
Lenny

 

[komondor]

Originally posted by Lenny
Good find!
Are both blades marked ATS-34?
I was under the impression that only the main blade was.
I bought a Queen Trapper thinking that both blades were, however, only the one marked as such was made of it.

It's funny you should ask that. Only the clip blade is etched ats-34. However, the description on the website states that both blades are ats-34. Here is the link, at AG Russell. They still have some Lenny. http://www.agrussell.com/schattmorgan/qu-42101.html

Thanks for the advice on loosening that opening. I will definitely try it. As it stands now, both blades are nail busters.

 

[bob bowie]

To break in a new knife with stiff springs, I usually just oil it up a bit on the liberal side, and spend a day off opening and closing the knife, somtimes letting the spring tension on the blade do it for me.

It's always best to start off with strong springs. Once a spring goes lame, little can be done to help it.

 

[komondor]

Originally posted by bob bowie
To break in a new knife with stiff springs, I usually just oil it up a bit on the liberal side...

I always knew you had a little liberal in you.

Seriously though, thanks for the advice Bob. Tomorrow night I will have some time to kill, and I will play with them while I watch a flick. These suckers are like nothing else I've ever opened- literally child-proof. It is a sweet-ass knife, though.